Arua, Uganda – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has rolled out a grassroots initiative to boost tax compliance and fight smuggling by educating women traders in Arua. During a recent workshop, URA officials focused on raising awareness about legal business practices, proper tax procedures, and the dangers of smuggling in Uganda’s border districts.
The training, attended by local market women, clarified the frequent confusion between national taxes and local fees. URA’s Domestic Taxes Officer, Miriam Nziru, explained, “Many traders mistakenly believe market dues collected by local councils are the same as national taxes. This misunderstanding often results in unintentional non-compliance.”
Another key message emphasized during the session was the importance of record-keeping. Sharon Natukunda from URA’s Tax Education division urged traders to keep accurate financial records to qualify for exemptions and avoid penalties. “If you earn less than UGX 10 million per month, you may be exempt from some taxes—but only if your records prove it,” she noted.
Clare Sanyu, Supervisor for Stakeholder Mobilization in the Northern Region, paid tribute to the late Arua business leader Dada Nelson and encouraged traders to uphold his legacy by embracing tax compliance and rejecting smuggling.
Citing a recent fatal fire linked to illegal fuel trade, Sanyu warned, “Smuggling doesn’t just harm the economy—it endangers lives.” She also stressed the need for digital payments through Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) to prevent loss of public funds and ensure transparency.
The training ended with several women pledging to steer clear of smuggled goods and commit to lawful trade. URA officials also encouraged whistleblowing on smuggling activities, assuring potential informants of monetary rewards.
This workshop is part of URA’s broader strategy to strengthen voluntary compliance across Uganda through education and community engagement.https://x.com/URAuganda/status/1920009288673575072
